Understanding
AB 2801
Requirements

California (AB 2801) Requires Mandatory Photographic Evidence.

California Assembly Bill 2801 introduces new requirements for landlords when deducting from security deposits, emphasizing transparency and documentation.

Move-In Photographic Evidence

Legally required to take photos of the rental unit's condition immediately before or at the start of the tenancy.

Move-Out Photographic Evidence

Legally required to take photos of the rental unit's condition after tenant vacates and before any cleaning and repairs begin.

Post-Repair Photographic Evidence

If you make any deductions for cleaning or repairs, must take photos after the work is completed to prove the changes.

Within 21 Days of Move-Out.

Post-Repairs

Take Post-Repair Photos to document and verify all deductions made.

Final Documentation

Perform the Final Move-Out inspection and collect photographic proof.

Final Delivery

Provide the Security Deposit Return with a detailed, itemized statement and all required photo evidence.

Landlords must provide tenants an itemized breakdown of deductions, supported by photo evidence from move-in, move-out, and post repair when deducting from the security deposits.

Initial Offer

Offer the tenant a Pre-Move-Out Inspection is required.

Videos vs Photos.

While video recording is permitted and can be helpful, videos alone may not be sufficient or as effective as still photos for documentation.

Photographic Evidence

Still photos are specifically mandated by the law, so they must be included. Photos are easier to reference and compare side-by-side to show changes in the property's condition..

Video Evidence

Don’t rely solely on video. Video is hard to search, poor for side-by-side comparison, lack detail clarity. Varied file formats and large file sizes hinder sharing and storage.